Page 86 of Ruthless Guardian

The hint of a smile tips up the corner of his lips, but it’s gone as quickly as it appears. “And we’ll have Manetti as backup. He’ll be stationed on the roof.” He motions toward the steps that lead to the third floor.

“Sounds like you have everything covered.”

“I’m trying…” He opens the door to the roof and pauses, allowing me to go first.

My breath catches at the sight. Beneath the last rays of the sinking sun, strings of twinkling lights illuminate the space, weaving a magical tapestry of warmth. The lights hang in graceful arcs from one side of the rooftop to the other, enveloping the area in a soft, enchanting glow. With the breathtaking views of Rome’s ancient skyline in the background, it’s the most beautiful scene I could have ever imagined.

“It’s—it’s incredible,” I murmur as I walk across the terracotta tiles.

Scattered across the rooftop are small tables draped in crisp linen, each one adorned with flickering candles that add to the ambience. In the far corner, a DJ table is set up, the entrancing beats already filling the air. Raf moves into step behind me, shadowing my every move. Once I’ve taken it all in, I stop beneath an arc of twinkling lights and find a pair of piercing midnight orbs.

“Who did this?” I whisper.

Raf’s broad shoulders lift, straining against his uniform of all black. “Some of the guys helped, but I, uh, …”

“You did this?” My wild heartbeats stagger.

He nods sharply. “I knew how badly you wanted this rooftop party. You’ve been talking about it since we moved in, and I figured with Serena being here, now would be the time to go all out.”

“Even though you were against it?”

“I’m against anything that puts you at risk.” His eyes swiftly scan the rooftop before his hand lifts to my cheek. His calloused thumb brushes my skin, and a whirlwind of sensations ignite. “Including this thing between us…”

I bristle at his ominous tone, but I clench my teeth to keep from saying something completely inappropriate. Because Serena knows me too damned well. And I am falling for my forbidden guard. If I’m being honest with myself, it started well before the mind-blowing sex.

“Besides,” says Raf, interrupting my musings, “after only a few months with you,principessa, I’ve already learned you always get what you want.”

“That is true.” I smirk and step into him, placing my hand on his chest once I’ve confirmed the rooftop is clear. His thundering heartbeat punches my palm, and that reassurance I so badly needed forces the words from my lips. “And what I want now, is another night with you.”

A deep growl vibrates his chest, resonating through my hand. “Isa…”

“I know.”

“No, you don’t.” He covers my hand with his big one, pressing my palm firmly against his chest. “And I pray toDiothat you never will.”

With that, he releases my hand, takes a step back and whirls toward the door. I stand there for an endless moment, watching as he walks away from me.

And for once in my life, I wonder if this will be the first time I don’t get what I want most.

The circle of grad students surrounding Serena and me grows larger and more frenzied with every passing hour. Maybe it’s the DJ or maybe it’s the waiters passing out shots of limoncello. Even my professor, Massimo, has joined us on the dance floor.

Which has Raf bristling as he watches me from the outer edge of the crowd. I can feel the tension radiating from the stiff set of his shoulders, the hard clench of his jaw. So I only grind my ass a little harder against whichever intern has the balls to dance behind me.

The manic tempo of the music begins to slow, and Professor Massimo inches closer, wedging himself between my cousin and me. Pushing his glasses up his nose, he offers a hand. “May I have this dance?”

Serena elbows me in the side when I take too long to answer, and my head bobs in reply.

With a smile, Massimo’s arm weaves around my back, pulling me into his chest. The trace of citrus and cedarwood fills my nostrils as he draws me close. It’s not bad, it’s just not the familiar musky scent of Raffaele.

“This was a lovely idea, Isabella. The rooftop is the perfect spot for a gathering.” His light eyes scan the skyline and the surrounding buildings, and an easy smile curves his lips. Twinkling stars dot the night sky, and a sultry breeze lifts the tumble of golden locks from Massimo’s forehead. “I was hoping I could take you out again. Perhaps next weekend, once your cousin returns to Milano?”

My gaze flickers over his shoulder to where Raf stands, a sinister scowl etched into his jaw, as if he’s somehow heard the question.

“Yeah, maybe,” I finally reply, tearing my gaze away. “I’ll have to check my rotation. It’s been crazy at the E.R.”

“I’m sure I can help with that.” His smile grows wider. “I’ll speak to Maria in the scheduling department.”

A month ago, a date with the charming professor would’ve been exactly what I wanted, but right now, there is only one man that fills my every waking thought.

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